We are Boulder County farmers growing crops on both publicly-owned open space and private lands with conservation easements.

The recently released Colorado Climate Plan includes an important discussion of the impact of climate on agriculture in this state and makes recommendations for adaptation strategies to promote sustainable agriculture.

Before commenting on the plan, let's first recognize the importance of agriculture to the state and Boulder County economy. A $40 billion industry, agriculture is one of Colorado's largest economic sectors. The more than 35,000 Colorado farms and ranches employ over 170,000 people and provide food for Colorado, the United States and the world.

Here in Boulder County we grow corn, sugar beets, wheat, alfalfa and grass, beans, vegetables, sunflowers and more. We also have successful cattle, calf and livestock production, along with a thriving horse community. Through Boulder County Open Space, the county owns approximately 25,000 acres of agriculture land acquired through a program commenced in the 1970s to acquire farms threatened by encroaching development. The program was started not only to protect open space, but to preserve agriculture and the family farm in Boulder County.

This robust agricultural economy is threatened by climate changes. The Colorado Climate Plan notes that "the Colorado of the future is unlikely to look like that of the past." Specifically, the plan notes the following production-related vulnerabilities that exist under a warmer climate:

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•Crop yields may decrease due to increased heat stress.

•Crop yields may be reduced due to increased severity of droughts.

•The prevalence of weeds and pests may increase due to a longer growing season.

•The prevalence of weeds may increase due to CO2 fertilization.

Any or all of these vulnerabilities will require changes in the way we farm in Boulder County.

Balanced against these vulnerabilities are the goals of the Colorado Climate Plan to reduce greenhouse gases, conserve more water, reduce the use of pesticides, improve crop resiliency, and promote soil health, all with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable food production system in Boulder County.

As Boulder County farmers, we embrace the strategies of the climate plan. Moreover, we have already made significant strides in modernizing our farming practices.

As demonstrated by a recent study conducted by professional Boulder County Parks and Open Space staff, along with the Colorado State University Extension Office — "Economic, Environmental and Social Implications of Cropping Systems in Boulder County" (June 2015) — the use of modern genetically engineered conservation till systems provides significant benefits for corn and sugar beet production. The study found greenhouse gas reductions, increased water conservation, and increased crop diversification. The study also demonstrated that modern farmers have reduced toxicity in the environment and soil water. It is important to note that crop yields have also dramatically increased with these systems.

The study concluded that there are demonstrable advantages in the use of sustainable modern agriculture when compared to conventional and organic cropping systems. Further, modern agricultural methods advance the strategies outlined in the climate plan.

But modern agricultural systems are only one step in achieving the goals of the Colorado Climate Plan. It is imperative for all of us and our elected officials to develop and support strategies and incentives to adapt to our climate future. Specifically, the climate plan recommends that the state and local governments:

•Promote increased water storage solutions that help producers adapt to changing conditions and decrease production losses due to lack of water availability.

•Partner with research institutions and federal agencies to support producers' efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change through improved irrigation efficiency and enhanced tillage practices.

•Support federal and state programs that improve soil health such as by increasing soil organic carbon and sequestration, promoting long-term research into land management practices that build soil health, and examining state and local land-use policies that reduce soil erosion on arable lands.

.We urge the Boulder County Commissioners to implement these climate plan programs and recommendations in any actions concerning agriculture in the county.

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